[citation needed] Buddharakkitha Thero attributed Bandaranaike's failure to aggressively pursue the nationalist reforms as the motive to eliminate him.
[5] The date was set to 25 September 1959, when Somarama Thero was to visit the Prime Minister at his home and shoot him at point blank range.
[6] His saffron robes gave him free access to Tintagel, the private residence of Bandaranaike, in Rosmead Place, Colombo.
It was a hopeless case, and in spite of a resourceful defense the jury unanimously found Somarama Thero guilty of the capital offense.
Fernando, QC, CBE, told Somarama Thero he had a "streak of conscience as he did not attend court in his saffron robes.